Explainer: Here is why revenue officers went on pen-down strike in Haryana

Revenue-related services across Haryana came to a standstill for four working days after revenue officials, including District Revenue Officers (DROs), tehsildars and naib tehsildar remained on a pen-down strike. The strike, which began last Thursday and ended on Tuesday evening, disrupted property registrations and other key services before being called off after talks with senior officials. Here is what you need to know about what happened and why.What triggered the strike?The strike was triggered by the suspension of a naib tehsildar, and an FIR against another naib tehsildar. The Haryana Revenue Officers Association alleged that these actions were taken in violation of statutory safeguards available to government officials. Besides, they were opposing a letter issued by the Director-General of Police (DGP) regarding registration of FIRs against revenue officials in violation of statutory Acts while registration of land, including the Indian Stamp Act, Haryana Municipality Act, Haryana Urban Development Regularly Act 1975 and others. They say there was a clear violation of the recent SOP issued under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which requires prior approval of the competent authority before initiating any inquiry or investigation against a public servant for acts done in discharge of official duties, has been completely bypassed by the Police Department. They also claimed that due legal procedures were not followed before initiating action against their colleagues. This led to resentment among revenue officials across the state and prompted them to protest.Who participated in the strike?The strike was called by the Haryana Revenue Officers Association. It was observed by District Revenue Officers (DROs), tehsildars and naib tehsildars across the state. As these officers are directly involved in property registration, mutation, partition, and other land-related matters, their absence led to a complete halt in property registrations and affected other revenue services. They demanded immediate revocation of the suspension orders against the officer concerned, strict adherence to statutory safeguards, particularly Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, withdrawal or review of a letter issued by the DGP regarding the registration of FIRs against revenue officials.What steps were taken to resolve the issue?An 11-member executive committee of the association met Director, Land Records and Inspector-General of Registration Dr Yashpal Yadav in Gurugram on Monday to discuss their concerns. Subsequently, a meeting was held at the Haryana Secretariat with Financial Commissioner (Revenue) (FCR) Sumita Misra, Yashpal Yadav and other senior officials on Tuesday. The discussions lasted about an hour. The officers were given a patient hearing, and assurances were made that their concerns would be examined sympathetically and in accordance with the law. After the meeting with the FCR, the association announced the withdrawal of the strike. The officers said they had been assured that their demands would be addressed within 15 days.What did the government say?FCR Dr Sumita Misra said that several concerns required careful examination by the competent authority. She assured that due process would be followed and all matters would be considered objectively and fairly. She assured that due process would be followed and that consultation with field officers would be strengthened to prevent misunderstandings in future. She also urged officers to continue discharging their duties strictly within the legal framework.

Explainer: Here is why revenue officers went on pen-down strike in Haryana

Stir triggered by suspension of naib tehsildar and an FIR against another naib tehsildar

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Explainer: Here is why revenue officers went on pen-down strike in Haryana

Stir triggered by suspension of naib tehsildar and an FIR against another naib tehsildar

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article